Court delays hearing for hunger-striker Adnan

RAMALLAH (Ma’an) -- The Israeli Court of Military Appeals has suspended a session considering the case of hunger-striker Khader Adnan. The case was held in Zeif Hospital in Safad on Thursday.

Palestinian prisoners society lawyer Jawad Bulus told Ma’an his society has appealed against the Ofer court's decision to detain Adnan for four months of administrative detention.

Bulus said the court was held discretely and media were not permitted to attend.

As the judge heard Khader’s testimony, he decided to postpone the decision until receiving certain documents, Bulus said. He added that it was crucial to receive a decision quickly, as Adnan's health deteriorates.

The Palestinian Authority has called for the immediate release of Adnan, who has been on hunger strike for the longest period any Palestinian prisoner has undertaken.

In Bethlehem, Palestinian Authority Minister of Detainee Affairs Issa Qaraqe on Wednesday praised Adnan for "taking a stand" against an illegal policy of administrative detention.

There are an estimated 307 prisoners in administrative detention, meaning held without charge, in Israeli jails. The practice was started under British mandate rule.